In Alma chapter 18, Ammon came to the King Lamoni and asked "What do you want?" He then waited for an hour in silence. After no response he simply repeated his question. When the King continued not to answer, only then was Ammon "filled with the Spirit of God, therefore he perceived the thoughts of the king." Now if it were me, I know I would be tempted to press for an answer. Even if I managed to wait an hour and then ask again, it wouldn't be patiently. I suppose my feelings and mind wouldn't be that calm after waiting around almost pointlessly, and therefore the Spirit would have a difficult time filling my heart and mind enough to know what someone else was thinking and feeling.
Just a chapter later, the King is about to be buried as though he were dead because he has been in some sort of conversion coma for two days and two nights. I know I would be nervous if someone I loved were out of it for a while. Yet Ammon has had experience with this before. Perhaps as he faithfully comforted the king's wife he was remembering his own repentance process as he waited for his dear friend Alma the Younger to come to himself. Perhaps that made it a bit easier to empathize with her and reassure the queen that this conversion was a good--no great--thing.
Another interesting tangent is to look at how many times Ammon knew. Some people these days get hung up on whether or not we can know things in this life or if it's all just feel-good obedience and belief. I believe that desire and belief can be strong enough to motivate thoughts and actions at least for a little while, but at some point we need to grow the roots of our testimony stronger and deeper than that if it is to survive and bless us with fruit. (See Alma 32:28-41.) But I believe that Ammon knew, through the power of God, just what was going on in King Lamoni's mind and heart, whether King Lamoni himself was able to express it or not. I know that we too can know things with the same kind of assurance and through the same power. If we are worthy and believe it is possible--these are the first few steps. Just something else to think about.
Spiritual Vitamins (see D&C 81:5)
I want to insert here another gospel study experience, this time from President Boyd K. Packer's Memorable Stories and Parables. He related a story of a girl who was stuck under a car for many days. The worst of her injuries weren't from the car but from being without nourishment for so long. The doctors had to be careful in hydrating and feeding her. While she desperately needed vitamins, almost anything they would give her would be a shock to her system. They started with the basics through an IV and then finally worked their way up to nutrient-rich foods I would give my young toddler. President Packer related this cautious and ultimately successful treatment to our need for spiritual vitamins. In doing so he opened my eyes to people who may be experiencing something different from myself in the spectrum of conversion. While all of us need to eat good food and want to be healthy, many of us have different dietary needs that shape how and what we eat. Being aware of your spiritual health as well as those around you, can help you better understand and appreciate the variety of spiritual diets needed.
Certain experiences are like spiritual vitamins. But what if they aren't given to those most in need? For example, if you only ask those with professional teaching experience to teach Sunday School you'd not only miss out on some of the best teachers: many would also miss out on the personal growth that comes when a disciple becomes a teacher. What about praying in public or giving a talk in church? These same experiences enrich an individual's life differently at different times. I know that the Lord, in His infinite and individual love, is aware your needs and those around you. He wants us to be aware and loving too.
Do you look around you and see others enjoy a feast of the Spirit while you find your spiritual appetite unsatisfying? How many are around you, watching you pop your daily spiritual vitamins and taking your blessed understanding for granted; what can you do to slowly help them in their own conversion?
Conversion isn't always dramatic. But sometimes it is. Whether it is dramatic or not does not make it any less true or lasting of a change. Also, there are people everywhere who are prepared to hear the Lord. Because He is a God of miracles. And He keeps His promises. I know these things are true because they have been principles in my life for as long as I can remember.
